"Edinson Volquez is from the warm-weather Dominican Republic, and he just returned from spring training in Arizona. Thus, the snow Volquez encountered Wednesday in Cincinnati was a shock to the system.

Regardless, the Reds right-hander said the weather will not affect him when he takes the ball for Opening Day at 2:10 p.m. against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park. Forecasts call for a chilly day (high of 47), albeit sunny.

Snow drove the Brewers inside Wednesday during their scheduled afternoon workout at Great American. The Reds later appeared on the field briefly for some long toss. Both teams hit in the indoor cages.

"Where we came from in Arizona, it was like 90 yesterday," Volquez said. "You just have to be prepared, get your mind right for the cold weather and do your job. There's nothing you can do, you just go out there and pitch."

Volquez will break a streak of five Reds Opening Day starts (2006-10) by Aaron Harang, who now is with San Diego. The last Reds pitcher besides Harang to start Opening Day was Paul Wilson in 2005.

"I'm really excited because this is my first time," Volquez said. "I'm so happy because (manager) Dusty (Baker) gave me the opportunity to be No. 1 this year."

Volquez was 0-0 with a poor 8.38 earned run average in spring training. In 9 2/3 innings, Volquez allowed 12 hits, struck out eight and walked 11.

He did save his best spring outing for last, against San Diego last Friday. Volquez pitched five innings and allowed three earned runs and nine hits, with four walks and three strikeouts.

Baker named Volquez his Opening Day starter early in spring training. Baker knows that Opening Day in Cincinnati is like no other, with its parade, jet flyovers and holiday atmosphere."